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Amb. David Smith is a Senior Fellow at the Potomac Institute for Policy Studies and Director of the Georgian Security Analysis Center. In a recent interview with Azerbaijani media, he talks about issues confronting the South Caucasus region in the post-Soviet era. Among other things, Amb. Smith argues that US and European reaction to the Russia-Georgia conflict of 2008 was "pitiful," and warns that the South Caucasus is a "tinderbox" the west ignores at its own peril. Click here to read the interview in full.
Alden Munson is a senior fellow and member of the Board of Regents at the Potomac Institute for Policy Studies, and a former deputy director of national intelligence for acquisition and technology. In a recent issue of Space News, he writes about the National Polar-Orbiting Operational Environmental Satellite System (NPOESS), a joint NOAA-NASA-Defense Department venture that was due to fully launch in 2014 but could face imminent cancellation. Munson argues that troubles plaguing the project should be resolved because the need for high-quality meteorological information provided by the system is critical. He writes, "Canceling or dismantling the NPOESS program at this juncture would be a deplorable waste of U.S. intellectual and fiscal capital and would commit the nation to a riskier, costlier and longer path forward." Click here to read the article in full.
James Barnett is a retired Navy rear admiral and a Senior Research Fellow at the Potomac Institute for Policy Studies. He is also active in MISSION:READINESS, a non-profit group of more than 130 retired admirals, generals and other senior military leaders. On April 20, MISSION:READINESS released a report raising the alarm about youth obesity and its negative impact on the military. According to the report, more than 9 million young adults are too overweight to join the military, which the group says poses a serious threat to national security. The group is calling for Congress to act by eliminating junk food from schools. Click here to watch Adm. Barnett's interview on CNN.
The Potomac Institute for Policy Studies' International Center for Terrorism Studies will present a panel discussion on April 23 from 12 -2 pm entitled "Central Asia Strategic Outlook: Quo Vadis?" The program will address recent developments including the change of government in Kyrgyzstan; Kazakhstan's support for nuclear non-proliferation; and issues related to terrorism, insurgency, and Russian and Chinese roles in the region. Panelists will look at strategic implications for the United States and the international community. RSVP is required. Click here for details and registration information.
Potomac Institute for Policy Studies Senior Fellow Amb. David Smith says the New START nuclear treaty deserves close scrutiny in the Senate. In an article for Defense News, he writes that the new US-Russia deal "holds both less and more than meets the eye." He lists six key areas in which lawmakers should be sure to put the pact under a microscope. Click here to read the article in full.